From The Sea, But on Land

1. Christmas Time

Rhett's PoV

I step in the doors of the aquarium. It stinks of everything sea related. It's Friday and I can't wait for the day to be over.  I'm a marine biologist in Ace's Aqua Sea Life. I keep walking straight ahead, noticing the extremely long line for tickets. Luckily, this is my job, so I don't have to be super early.

We opened at 8:30 today because we're having a family fun day. As I walked down to the spinner things, I pull out my card. I scanned it and it let me in through the spiny bars. I walked through the park and and found the right building. I scanned my card on the door panel and it opened. I walked in and tried to avoid everyone, I'm what the kids call, antisocial, a little bit.

I don't get along with most people in here because, they don't really care if they hurt or suffocate the sea life, and I do. I got to my office in the back of the building, without even noticing. I took out my keys and opened the door. I walked in, turned on the lights and shut the door. I walked up to the small tank in my office and watched the sleeping, baby dolphin.

I hate that we have to take animals away from their parents, it's horrible and just wrong. I go to my desk and sit in my spiny chair. I turned into the desk, picked up a pencil and opened my notebook.

Day: 7  20th September 2017
We've had this dolphin here for a week and I think she knows that. She doesn't seem to be eating very much, or doing very much.
I glanced over at her in the tank and sighed.
She probably just wants her mother and no more humans in her face..

*** *** *** ***

I'm almost falling asleep, until the door swings open. I glance up to it to see someone. "Oh, hey Mark." I stood up to greet him. "Hey, I was wondering if.." He started, running his fingers through his flaming red hair, glancing at the mini Christmas tree in the corner of the room.

"Well, a bunch of us are going out to celebrate 50 years of the opening tonight and have a bit of a Christmas party, and were wondering if.. you wanted to come." He continued in his usual deep but gentle voice. "Really, you're actually going to invite me?!" I snapped at him. He sighed. "We don't really talk, ever, but.. Me, Matthias and Ken wanted to know you better. And well.." He scratched  the back of his neck.

"Felix finally let you invite me" I finished as he nervously chuckled. "Yeah." He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Just wondering what kind of a stupid ass name is Matthias?!" He looked at me in shock, I like, never curse. "Humph. Sorry, I just feel so crapy today and I don't know why. Yes I would like to to come." I spoke apologetically.

"It's okay, we all have our shit days." "That's true." I sighed. Text me the details, later."  I smiled."Sure thing! Anyways it's almost heading home time!" He returned the smile, as he patted me on the shoulder, then left, to go back to his own office.

*** *** *** ***

My eyes flutter open after my great nap. I swing my legs over the bed, getting up, I grab my phone. I walk down the stairs, almost tripping up on some tinsel that must have fallen of the banisters. I pick it up and head into the kitchen. As I pass the decorations box on the counter, I throw it in. I must finish decorating. My phones dings in my pocket, so I take it out and check the message.

Hey Rhett. Party's at Felix's place, it starts at 7:30 so see you there!

I reply.

Thanks for the invitation Mark.

I check the time on my microwave, it's 6:30. I decided to get food before I go. I throw a burger into the over and bun the bun into the toaster. 4 minutes later then bun is ready so I take it out and put it on a plate. I wait another few minutes until the burger is ready. I take it out and quickly throw it onto the bottom bun. I go to the right press and grab the ketchup. I squirt some onto my burger and put the bun back on top. I bring my plate to the table and go pour myself some water.

I sit down and take a bite. I finish up my meal and check the time. 7:00. I'll get going cause Felix's house is quite far. I grab my keys and I'm out the door. I got into my car, started it up and pulled out of the driveway.

*** *** *** ***

I knocked on the door and hoped this was the right house. Soon, a green haired man, with a Santa hat on opened it. "Hello laddie." He had a thick Irish accent. "Oh sorry, I think I got the wrong house, I was looking for my friend, Felix's house." I speak softly. "Do you mean Felix Kelbeirgsh, cause this is his house." He said.

"Who's at the door, Jack?" Mark walked out. "Oh hey Rhett! I didn't think you'd come!" He said. "Neither did I." I say. 'Jack' fake coughs, to catch Mark's attention. "Oh, this is Jack and Jack, this is Rhett!" He introduces us. "Nice to meet ye, laddie!" Jack put out his hand for me to shake. "Jaacccck!" Mark groans. I chuckle and shake his hand.

"Where's Felix?, we have to tell him you're here! Come on!" Mark grabs my wrist dragging me through the decorated hallway. "And you think I'm weird!" I heard Jack yell from the front door, which made me chuckle. Mark dragged me into the living room. The area was beautifully decorated with tinsel and mistletoe everywhere.

And soon enough, we found Matthias and Felix. "Hey! Rhett, right?" A tall, not as tall as me though, bespectacled, smiling man held his hand out to me. I smiled and nodded. "Nice to meet you.." I trailed. "Matthew, but please call me Matthias."  "And I'm Felix." A high pitched Swedish accent came from behind me. He smiled and held out his hand. I returned the smile and shook his hand.

We were all in an awkward silence for a few seconds, until Jack ran in and screamed. "WHERE'S THE WHISKEY?!" Felix and Matthias just shook their heads and followed him into the kitchen. Mark sighed and whispered into my ear. "Those damn Irish and their alcohol." He shook his head, making me chuckle. "Well then, come on." I fooled him into the kitchen.